USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Cambridge > Harvard College class of ninety-seven : fiftieth anniversary report, 1897 > Part 6
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HARVARD CLASS OF 1897
York University, while still maintaining his association with Co- lumbia by a lectureship in absentia in the history of science. There, too, he conducted the training of a number of soldier-students for chemical service.
Returning to Columbia, as a Fellow of the University, he carried on "certain long-conceived but exasperatingly delayed investiga- tions in calorimetry." He remained there, as teacher and profes- sor, up to the time of his death.
Unwilling to give public expression to the results of his scientific researches and studies, until he had subjected them to the most rigid of analysis and minute re-examination, he had published but one book, The Scientific Habit of Thought. But, not long before his death, he had said: "I have not changed my ideas in the last five years. I am ready to put it all out now." And to that end he was looking forward to a well-merited retirement from his Univer- sity activities, a retirement to his beloved home at Westminster, Vermont, where he planned to spend the greater part of each year, preparing several other of his books for publication. On one of these he was already collaborating with one of his students with whom he felt a peculiar sympathy. All but ready for his publishers was a book on Greek science, which, it is hoped, will soon be forthcoming.
Of his musical career during his later years he has written: "I have published nothing but a few songs My cabinet contains a lot of manuscript fragments which vary in character from ingenuous melodies to earnest studies in cacophony. I grow less melodic every day, which is encouraging, but have never yet succeeded in eliminating recognizable rhythm from my work; and this, I fear, makes me so old-fashioned that I may, after all, leave nothing behind to embarrass a musical executor."
His was a well-filled and happy life, the furthering of an early promise, from those undergraduate days of ours, when we knew him as an ever-smiling, ever-welcome comrade at all our musical gatherings. We shall miss him at our Class Reunions, but we shall carry with us only the happiest and tenderest of memories of him, undimmed through the years.
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The setting sun, and music at the close, As the last taste of sweets, is sweetest last, Writ in remembrance more than things long past.
His wife, Ada Matthews Norris, to whom he was married at New York City, on November 29, 1916, survived him.
H. T. N.
ROGERS LEWIS BARSTOW, JR.
O' F late years," reports Barstow, "I have confined my activities to occasional newspaper articles on sports, fishing, hunting, and the like, trying to keep up with the 'teen-age youngsters of whom my old-age daughter is a member, and mowing my lawn, planting shrubs, and staggering home under a load of groceries invariably forgetting, like Dagwood, the most important item.
"I hope to be back for our Fiftieth, which my friend and coun- sellor, Arthur M. Beale, says, 'is coming up,' like the hamburger at the Miami hot-dog stands."
Barstow, the son of Rogers Lewis Barstow, Harvard Medical School 1866-1870, and Sarah Caroline (Baker ) Barstow, was born April 25, 1875, at Dorchester, Massachusetts. He prepared at the Roxbury Latin School and was with our Class three years. His brother, the late Ezra Baker Barstow, was graduated with the Harvard Class of 1899.
Barstow married Rebecca Taylor Newbold, October 26, 1898, at Philadelphia. His second wife is Bertha Schultz, whom he mar- ried January 7, 1931, at New York City. His children are: Rebecca Sarah (Mrs. Henry Edward Long), born September 6, 1899; Catherine Newbold (Mrs. J. J. Tucker), born January 8, 1901; Priscilla Rogers, born November 6, 1902; Marjory (Mrs. N. H. Tucker), born in March, 1904; and Nancy, born December 15, 1931. There are four grandsons and one granddaughter.
During the first World War, Barstow served with U.S. Army Intelligence, G-2 Section, and with the American Defense Society, where he worked on passport investigation. In World War II he served as air-raid warden and block chief in his local civilian de- fense organization. His grandsons, Henry Edward Long, Jr., and
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HARVARD CLASS OF 1897
Robert Newbold Long, served in the United States Marine Corps.
Since leaving college Barstow has been a bank messenger, re- porter, newspaper correspondent, editor of McClure's Magazine, managing editor of the American Banker, associate editor of Col- lier's Encyclopedia, secretary of the United Editors Association, and has written many short stories and articles.
He held the office of deputy sheriff of Dade County, Florida, and is a member of the Harvard Club of Miami.
CHARLES BRADFORD BARTON
I ATTENDED Harvard for my freshman year only," writes Barton, "and played on the freshman football team.
"In September, 1894, I went to work for the Electro-Chemical Company of Rumford Falls, Maine, as a laborer. This plant was the first to produce chlorine and caustic soda by the electrolytic process, using diaphragm cells.
"Fifteen months after I entered the plant, I was made plant superintendent. The plant was not a financial success and in October, 1898, the apparatus was moved to Berlin, New Hamp- shire, and operated by the Burgess Sulphite Fibre Company. This infant industry has grown to be a veritable industrial giant and I think I am justified in feeling that I was able to help it in its growth. The original plant in Berlin is about ten times the size of the original installation and produces about fifteen times as much.
"I have retired from active plant management, which was my life work. I think that the research work and development that I did long years ago were vital factors in the growth of this indus- try.
"I have always been fond of hunting and fishing and have served on the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission. Last Sep- tember I took two trout by fly fishing that weighed better than five pounds each."
Barton, the son of George Leonard, '67, and Emma Vail (San- ford) Barton, was born May 28, 1873, at Turners Falls, Massa- chusetts. He prepared for college at Phillips Exeter Academy.
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FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY REPORT
He married Mary Ellen Bryant, October 13, 1897, at Rumford Falls. Their children are: Margaret, born June 1, 1899; Charles Bradford, Jr., born September 27, 1900; Louise Vail, born De- cember 26, 1903; and Mary Elizabeth, born May 5, 1909. There are two grandchildren, Mary Ellen Chadeayne, aged nine, and Charles Barton Libby, aged four.
BURNELL FINLEY BASSETT
F OR a number of years following graduation," reports Burnell Bassett, "I was engaged in teaching, specializing particularly in English. Later I took up mercantile pursuits.
"I was also in the wholesale hardware business for several years, but the greater portion of my life was spent in the lumber business.
"Taking it all in all, I have filled a niche in the community life of my adopted city, contributing in social and business activities as much as my time would permit."
Bassett was born November 1, 1871, at Barre, Massachusetts, the son of Henry Makepeace and Irene C. (Finley) Bassett. He prepared for college at the Barre High School, and received his A.B. with our Class after three years' work. He is unmarried.
WILBUR WHEELER BASSETT
UMMER is i'cumen in, loud sing cuccu,'" quotes Wilbur Bassett. "One expects a Californian to begin any remark by a reference about the weather. Mr. Scaife, our able Secretary, cramps my style in that respect by his in memoriam. While I can still play outdoor games and breast the surf of the Pacific, I refuse to yield to 'that unhoped serene that men call age.'
"Since our last Report I have evaded the climbing wave of pri- vate law practice and entered the harbor of public law as Deputy City Attorney of the City of Los Angeles. This escape from the nervous client and the tented field of competition leaves me op- portunity to continue my writing and invite my soul.
"During the war, with a son in the tanker fleet and a daughter in the Navy, I vicariously carried on the sea tradition of my fam-
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HARVARD CLASS OF 1897
ily. I still hope to make a winter cruise in sail in the Sea of the Caribs.
"A book I have in frame awaits the inspection of Navy files. Just over the hill lies the beckoning field of creative literary en- deavor."
Bassett, the son of Fletcher Stewart Bassett, United States Naval Academy, '69, and Helen M. (Wheeler) Bassett, was born Sep- tember 27, 1875, at Mercer County, Illinois. He prepared for col- lege at the Hyde Park High School in Chicago. He was with our Class during freshman year only and then transferred to the Uni- versity of Chicago, where he received a Ph.B. degree in 1897. Two years later Northwestern University granted him an LL.B.
On April 19, 1916, he married Margaret Mary Ridge at Los Angeles. Their children are: Wilbur, Jr., born February 25, 1917; and Barbara, born August 27, 1920. During World War I, Bassett was a line lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve and served as captain in the "Cinderellas." In the second World War, his daughter held the rank of lieutenant in the Waves. Wilbur, Jr., served as a seaman in the Merchant Marine. Mrs. Bassett worked with the Red Cross.
Bassett is the author of Wander-Ships, published by the Open Court Publishing Company of Chicago in 1917. He has also writ- ten a number of newspaper and magazine articles. He is a member of the University Club of Los Angeles, the Harvard Club, and Beach Club of Santa Monica.
CHARLES HULL BATCHELDER
O N graduation from the Law School," writes Batchelder, "I passed the New Hampshire Bar examinations, and settled down in my native town of Portsmouth, in the law office where my father had practised. The firm continued under the name of Frink, Marvin & Batchelder, later Marvin, Batchelder & Peyser until about 1928. I then opened a separate office under my indi- vidual name and have been there ever since.
"My early practice included some trial work, but the association with a long-established office shifted the emphasis so that I was
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FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY REPORT
dealing with clients' financial and business affairs, settling estates, administering trusts, and giving financial and business advice, a field much enlarged of recent years by federal tax laws.
"I served as city solicitor of Portsmouth in 1902; county solicitor for Rockingham County from 1906 to 1911, an office corresponding to district attorney in some other states; and member of the con- vention to revise the state constitution in 1912 and 1918. I have also held some minor city offices. I have been treasurer of St. John's Episcopal Church for some seventeen years.
"As to non-professional activities, I was interested for a few years in playing duplicate whist as a member of the Boston Dupli- cate Whist Club, and later the Warwick Club in Portsmouth. More recently I have been interested in local historical and anti- quarian matters, and have long been a member of the Board of Trustees of the New Hampshire Historical Society.
"Looking back from the shadow of three-score years and ten, I think the answer in my case to 'durable satisfactions' is having brought up and educated the children, and seen them all married and started safely and soundly on their own separate life journeys. My wife suggests that the seven grandchildren should be classed as another 'durable satisfaction,' and I agree."
Batchelder, the son of Charles Edwin Batchelder, '73, and Nel- lie Mary ( Dearborn) Batchelder, was born May 12, 1876, at Ports- mouth, New Hampshire. He prepared for college at the Ports- mouth High School. He was graduated from college magna cum laude and was a member of the first eight Phi Beta Kappa. He received his A.M. in 1898 and LL.B. cum laude at the Law School in 1900.
He married Margaret Harris Hatch, December 31, 1904, at Greenland, New Hampshire. Their children are: a daughter, born and died September 26, 1905; Charles Edwin, born April 8, 1907; Eleanor, born September 2, 1909; Margaret, born May 13, 1913; Richard and Robert (twins), born April 8, 1916. Robert received his M.B.A. at Harvard in 1941. Batchelder's brother, Paul Mason Batchelder, obtained a Ph.D. at Harvard in 1916. In World War II, Richard Batchelder served in the Army of the United States.
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HARVARD CLASS OF 1897
LORUL MASKELL BATES
B ATES has been among the lost men for many years. He is known to have been associated with a Boston bicycle firm after leav- ing college, and was later a clerk in the Hotel Tuilleries, Boston, and the Hotel Langwood, Middlesex Fells. He left a position in the real estate business with Edward T. Harrington & Company in 1903 to go to the Azure Mining Camp in the Burro Mountains near Silver City, New Mexico, to install a homing pigeon plant there for the superintendent of the turquoise mine. After a few months he moved to Los Angeles, where he entered the Los Angeles Pacific Railroad Company. He progressed to foreman of building con- struction before leaving in 1906 to become superintendent of building construction with Train & Williams, Los Angeles archi- tects. He is known to have left Los Angeles, but no further word of him has been received.
The son of Caleb and Caroline Matilda (Pottle ) Bates, he was born January 27, 1873, at Kingston, Massachusetts. He attended the Kingston High School and was in college only during 1893-94. He married Lulu Clarabell Jones on September 22, 1901, at Boston, and they had four daughters, Dorothy, born September 29, 1903, Velmaline, born June 6, 1906, Elgwainor, born February 1, 1909, and Celestine, born July 4, 1911.
FRANK SAWYER BAYLEY
A' FTER being admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1900," writes Bayley, "I started practising in Boston. Having no money, not much self-confidence, and being without great ambition, I was given desk room in the office of two established lawyers in Boston in return for which I was to be of such assistance to them as I was able to render. I was also to have the right to pick up what work I could for myself.
"At the end of the first year I found that I had paid my expenses and, having just then closed a small probate matter for which I was paid $500, I got married. A year from that date our first child
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FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY REPORT
was born. Fortunately I was able to meet our modest expenses at all times.
"However, I felt quite swallowed up in Boston, and while I was sure I could make my living, I had the feeling that I never would be able to play any part in the life of the city. It occurred to me that it might be worth while to establish myself in some newer and growing city in the West. I finally hit upon Seattle, although I had never been to the West Coast. Undoubtedly the information I had received that Puget Sound was a fine place for sailing had something to do with my choice. The result of this decision was that I borrowed a few hundred dollars from a sympathetic friend, most of which I left with my wife, and bought a one-way ticket to Seattle. We established our home here in the spring of 1904, and neither of us has ever regretted the move. Fortunately, at that time one could live here for $75 a month, including house rent, and Mrs. Bayley was a thoroughly willing and competent house- keeper.
"At the time we arrived here, Seattle had about seventy-five thousand people, and it has grown to a city of around five hundred thousand.
"I set up my own office, renting desk space in a large room which I shared with a real estate man, a commission man, and a life in- surance agent. This cost me $10 a month. Where my practice first came from I do not know and can only attribute my ability to earn even the small amount which we required to the goodness of God.
"Rather by accident I became active in the work of the Y.M.C.A. shortly after coming here, and have continued that interest ever since. I am satisfied that getting interested in something outside of one's self is a most wholesome and helpful thing for anyone.
"During the years I have been associated with several firms, and always adhered to the idea that I would never work except for myself or a firm in which I was a partner. There is perhaps more risk in this policy at the outset, but I am sure it is the best way.
"After forty-two years of continuous practice in the city, I can say with modest pride that my firm is recognized as one of the leading firms of the city, both as to character and ability, and that the men who are now with me are able lawyers, and we share the
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HARVARD CLASS OF 1897
same ideals as to our profession and constitute a most happy and efficient working group. Somewhat to my surprise, I find that I am regarded as one of the deans of the Bar and am highly re- spected by my brother attorneys, the judges, and the leading business men of the community.
"My desire to share in the civic life of the city has met with considerable success and brought me great pleasure. I became president of the Seattle Y.M.C.A., a position I held for ten years or more, retiring at my own insistence in favor of a younger man. I helped to organize our Community Fund and served for two years as vice-president, after refusing to accept the presidency. I have always maintained active service in the work of the Y.M.C.A. with groups of young men. This has helped me to keep a fresher out- look on life, and is a constant refresher of my own religious faith. You cannot sell stale goods to youth.
"I served for two years as president of the National Council of the Y.M.C.A. and am now a member of the National Board. In this connection I have greatly enjoyed the personal friendship of Dr. Kirtley Mather of Harvard, who is now president of the Na- tional Council. I have also maintained my active interest in the church.
"My only public office was on the Seattle School Board, to which I was elected for four three-year terms. I resigned at the end of twelve years because I moved out of the School District. This experience impressed upon me the impossible load placed on public schools and the need for a re-examination of their place, purpose, and methods.
"Somewhat recently I was elected a member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Building Company, one of the largest and most distinguished enterprises in the city. This com- pany undertook the development of a ten-acre tract belonging to the State University, which was unplatted stump land when I first came here and is now the recognized metropolitan center of the city. I was also made a member of the Executive Committee and the treasurer of the company, although I do not own a single share of stock. I mention this because it is a pleasing indication of my reputation and standing in the city, as it resulted from a desire of
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FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY REPORT
the Metropolitan Board to elect as a member someone who might represent the interests of a large block of the company's stock which had passed by will from one of the original members of the company to a dozen or so charitable institutions located in Wash- ington, California, and Maine, the early home of the donor. Other civic jobs include chairmanship of the mayor's Civic Unity Com- mittee, incorporator of the U.S.O., directorship of the National War Fund, and incorporator of the Washington State War Fund.
"My family life has been most happy and successful. Our three living children all live here, and we have ten grandchildren, run- ning from six months to twenty-two years in age. My daughter has four girls, three of them in college, and my two sons have three sons each, all young. Both of the boys were graduated from Har- vard, Emery in '28, and Frank, Jr., in '32. They both served in the Navy for about five years, the elder coming out as a commander and the younger a lieutenant commander. Frank, Jr., who is a member of my present firm, recently received the Navy Cross, which was awarded him for his skill, inspirational leadership, and gallantry in action at Okinawa while in command of a rescue ship.
"I have greatly enjoyed playing golf and sailing, and can testify to the wonderful opportunities which this country affords for both of these sports as well as many others. We play golf all the year 'round and sail from May until the latter part of October.
"I have always been very grateful for the happy chance which took me to Harvard, and although I entered as a junior, thus miss- ing the many friendships which one makes as a freshman, I have increasingly enjoyed the friendship and fellowship of our class- mates as I meet them from time to time at the class reunions. I do carry a grudge because no one of my classmates has ever visited me in Seattle except Tubby Angier and George Abele, who was here some years ago in attendance at the annual meeting of the American Bar Association. It would be a great delight to me, and I am sure a fine experience for some of my classmates who have always lived in and around New England, if they would only get up courage enough to make the trip across our great country and see for themselves this fine Northwest.
"My philosophy of life, which has been developed out of experi-
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HARVARD CLASS OF 1897
ence, is that if one can abandon the idea that he is the center of his own life rather than God, life can be very rich and worth while in spite of the disappointments and sorrows which are bound to occur. I have also found that the deepest pleasures almost invari- ably are connected with responsibilities. I have found that as a lawyer it is possible to adhere to the highest principles and ethics of the profession, to keep one's conscience closely in touch with one's professional work, and yet be truly successful. I do not say that such a man will become wealthy in money, but he will always have his own self-respect and the respect of those whose opinions are worth while, and he won't have nearly so much to worry about.
"I am an optimist as to the future of our country, though not a silly one. America needs a new political leadership, one dedicated to the national good instead of greed for power, wealth, and posi- tion, one which regards public office as a trust of the highest order instead of an opportunity for personal or class advantage. Such a leadership would be supported by the common people of our country, and I believe it will come.
"I agree with Epictetus, who said: 'He will do most for his city who elevates not the roofs of the buildings but the souls of its citizens. It is better that great souls should dwell in small houses than mean souls should lurk in great ones.'
"I recognize that what I am and what I have accomplished are due in great measure to the influence of my parents, my education, especially at Harvard, and my friends. The real values of life are found in and measured by one's output rather than one's intake. The life of true freedom is to be found through the acceptance of great principles as a guide rather than the following of conven- tions, rules, and regulations, and without a sense of such freedom there can be no abiding happiness."
Bayley, the son of Frank Tappan Bayley, Bowdoin College, and Mercy Julia (Palmer) Bayley, was born May 3, 1874, at Canan- daigua, New York. He prepared at Phillips Academy, Andover, at the Denver, Colorado, High School, and at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. He received his A.B. cum laude from Harvard, and took an LL.B. in 1900. As an undergraduate he was a mem- ber of the D.U. Club and Congregational Church. He married
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FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY REPORT
Mary Eulalia Bass, May 9, 1901, at Boston. Their children are: Elizabeth (Mrs. Willis), born May 9, 1902; Emery Perham, born May 1, 1905; Julia Adela, born February 13, 1908 ( died March 23, 1913); and Frank Sawyer, Jr., born June 7, 1910.
In addition to other offices held, Bayley was treasurer of the Florence Crittenton House and a member of the Board of directors and treasurer of the Exchange Building Company and the Medical- Dental Building Company. He belongs to the Seattle Golf Club.
HENRY WILLIAMSON BEAL
H AVING just returned from a visit in the Mt. Washington area of New Hampshire," writes Henry Beal, "I have a reminder to begin that 'comprehensive yet concise' story of my life since 1922.
"Just two weeks ago I climbed to the Head Wall of Mt. Wash- ington from Pinkham Notch and the next day up the Great Dome on the trail to the Huts on Mt. Madison. I have done a great deal of tramping, hiking, and skiing during the past fifteen years. Last year I took an extension course in geology at Harvard. It is most interesting to know the nature of the terrain over which one is treading.
"In addition I took a course on federal income taxes. So back again I went to Harvard Hall where fifty years ago I listened to MacVane, Cummings, and Baker.
"For many years I have played squash at the Harvard Club of Boston. Even today I average two or three games a week. It is a most interesting game and affords vigorous and satisfying exercise.
"I have passed the intervening years since 1922 in the practice of law a part of the time, operating the side-tracks in Cambridge and South Boston which I had been instrumental in building, and assisting the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Charles Hayden Foundation in its early activities. In this connection I had the satisfaction of suggesting the application of some of its funds to local educational institutions.
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